The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-09-16
WASHINGTON LETTER
fFrom our Regular Correspondent


WASHINGTON. D. c.. Sept. 10, 1887.
In political circles at the Capital, the
chief topic of public interest aud dis
cussion is still the tariff conference at
Oak View between the President, Sec
retary Fairchild, Mr.. Carlisle, and
other advisers, which has just been
concluded, doubtless to the full salts
faction of the conferees, at least. That
an Administration tariff measure, en-
bodying a substantial reduction of the
customs duties upon the necessaries of
life and a repeal of the tobacco tax,
was agreed upon, l have not the least
doubt, and further, / have reason to
believe that the President will bring to
bear all of his famous frmness and
vigor in impressing his views upon the
attention Of Congress, az of vital In
portance to the future of both the
country and the Democracy. The
attitude of Mr.. Randall and those of
his way of thinking upon this question,
is regarded with much interest and
solicitude, but / believe there is no
ground for alarm, for l think that the
Ex-Speaker, while differing with many
other Democrats upon re adjustment
of the tariff, realizes the necessity of
reduction of taxation, and will agree
to fair compromise that in large
degree will accomplish the result 80
greatly desired, and to which the Dem
ocratic party so solemnly pledged itself
in the platform of the Chicago Con-
vention.
Surprise is expressed in some quar-
ters that Ex-Speaker Carlisle has taken
no testimony in the contested election
proceedings filed against him by
Thobe. Mr.. Carlisle says, in an inter
view, that he took no testimony be.
cause it was unnecessary for him to do
so, as the contestant only alleged the
casting of four fraudulent votes for
the contestee, and that as his majority
in the District was 1926, such claim,
If admitted, could not change the re-
suit. Under such circumstances it
would be simply preposterous for the
contestee to produce evidence.
The pr,ject to open fine roadway
from the Aqueduct Bridge in this city
to the tomb of Washington, to be call
ed ut. Vernon Avenue, seems to meet
with great public favor, and there can
be little doubt that the work will be
done, as the popular support, both of
the citizens of the District of Columbia
and of Alexandria county, Virginia,
which is becoming enlisted in behalf
OF this truly patriotic and polite under
taking, seems to warrant such a con-
clusion. There will be public meet
ing at Alexandria on the 18th inst, to
consider the matter.
A memorable and important work
in the religious world is the location of
the great Catholic University in the
city of Washington. The estimate OF
ths cost and endowment of this great
work is the immense sum of SS,000,.
900, of which amount 100000 is al
ready in hand. 1t is designed to up
build here grand university that will
favorably compare with the far-famed
seats of learning of the old world.
Ga tho 18th inst, the President and
his wife, the Governor of the origina
thirteen States and other dignitariei
will attend the celebration of the Con
stitutional Centennial at Philadelphia
and great time is expected. It il
hoped that the events of the day will
be in keeping with the spirit OF the
occasion, and that there will be no out
burst of partisan feeling by thoughtles
enthusiasts.
Such serious conflicts of opinion hav,
arisen etween the members OF the Civi
Service Commissioner over the question
of the right Of removal of clerks, tha
there il some talk of the resignation
of the President, Mr.. Edgerton, VIII,
holds that the appointing power ha
the authority to dismiss employees il
the classified service absolutely, with
out specifying the cause-that thi
power is extremity limited. IL is ex
pected that the President Will be final
ly called upon to settle the oontro
yersy.
Despite the earping criticism of I
few macontents, the lnternationa
Medical Congress-, which has Just hd
jourLed 10 meet in Berlin two year
Lence, has been great sucoess-full.